Microneedling, also called micro-penning or the “Vampire Facial”, is an effective skin-resurfacing treatment that became extremely popular in the San Francisco Bay Area (and beyond) after K.K. posted about it on the gram a few years back.
Microneedling is an option for both women and men of every skin type who want smoother, firmer skin. However there are several different types of micro-needling treatments which target slightly different conditions. How do you know which micro needling treatment is right for you?
What To Expect From All Microneedling Treatments
All microneedling treatments start with numbing cream which is applied directly to the area of treatment. Numbing cream should be applied an hour before the treatment starts to ensure a painless experience. At L&P Aesthetics, we offer patients the option to numb in- office or to pick up the cream in advance so that you can numb in the comfort of your home or car before arriving for the appointment.
To begin the treatment, the numbing cream will be wiped off and the practitioner will apply some type of serum directly on the skin (see the next sections for the different types of serums available).
Next, the micro-needling device will be passed over the skin to create micro-channels in the surface layers of the skin. This controlled-injury produces a vibrating sensation but with numbing cream, most patients report that it is not painful.
Depending on your skin type and concerns, your provider will customize the depth of treatment from shallow to deep penetration. Either way, the procedure will create micro-channels and when these heal, the process prompts the skin to produce healthier, stronger skin cells.
All microneedling treatments at L&P Aesthetics work to smooth-out the skin’s texture, reduce acne-scarring and produce younger-looking skin with a fresh glow.
Microneedling: Classic
The introductory microneedling treatment offered at L&P Aesthetics is called Classic Microneedling and is done with a hyaluronic acid serum. The hyaluronic acid is applied to the skin before the device passes over the area. This treatment is great for patients who want virtually no downtime, but still want to see results.
Classic Microneedling works to smooth-out uneven skin, lessen the appearance of enlarged pores, and prevent acne and blackheads from forming since this treatment cleans-out the treated areas.
Microneedling: The Vampire Facial
The second microneedling treatment at L&P is also called the “Vampire Facial” because it uses components of the patient’s own blood as the serum. This treatment requires blood to be drawn which is then spun in a centrifuge to pull out the blood’s rich nutrients. These nutrients become the serum applied on the skin before the micro-needling device passes over and creates micro-channels.
The Vampire Facial provides all of the benefits of classic microneedling, but with more intensity. By using the patient’s own nutrient-rich blood components, the treatment can provide a dramatic improvement in acne-scarring, stimulate new collagen and reinvigorate cellular-turnover. It is common for patients to have a red-looking appearance after the treatment, but usually lasts no longer than 24-hours.
Microneedling: The Skintini, An Exclusive L&P Treatment
The third microneedling treatment offered at L&P Aesthetics is an exclusive treatment performed by our physician assistant, Heidi Keesis. Heidi creates a customized “Skintini” serum comprised of hyaluronic acid fillers and neurotoxins which is applied to the skin before the micro-needling device passes over.
The SkinTini gives patients an instantaneous glow with a visible reduction in pore size. Long-term benefits of this treatment are a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and additional collagen and elastin stimulation.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?
At L&P Aesthetics, we recommended that anyone expecting to see excellent results should receive at least three microneedling treatments. The treatments should be spaced out with six to eight weeks so that your skin can completely heal between appointments. Results from all mirconeedling treatments will last approximately two years, but of course, results vary from patient to patient.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our micro-needling experts at L&P Aesthetics, give us a call – 650-327-3232 – or send us a quick email.
